New Canaan Turkey Trot helps shelter feather its nest

When the namesake turkey started trotting, the 11th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot was off and running Sunday at Irwin Park.

When the namesake turkey started trotting, the 11th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot was off and running Sunday at Irwin Park.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

Photo: Jarret Liotta

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When the namesake turkey started trotting, the 11th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot was off and running Sunday at Irwin Park.

When the namesake turkey started trotting, the 11th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot was off and running Sunday at Irwin Park.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

New Canaan Turkey Trot helps shelter feather its nest

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There was no fat on this fleet-footed flock who raced to raise money Sunday for a good cause.

The 11th annual New Canaan Turkey Trot drew over 250 runners of all ages to Irwin Park, where proceeds from a 5-kilometer race benefited the Open Door Shelter of Norwalk.

"I just thought it would be a good thing to do," said Laurie Shiff, who ran for the second year in a row.

"I'm home for Thanksgiving and I'm a runner," said Peter Vail of Washington, D.C., who grew up in New Canaan. "I just think it's a great local event and I want to support the community. And it's for a good cause."

Runners left the Weed Street park en masse, circled the neighborhood and returned in pecking order.

Gilmar Barrios of Stamford took first place in the adult division. "It felt longer than I thought," he said as he cooled down after his exertions.

"This is so great," said Erika Long of New Canaan, who enjoyed her first time in the race. "This is right in our backyard and running around here is gorgeous."